Spinal Cord Injury After Blunt Cervical Spine Trauma: Correlation of Soft-Tissue Damage and Extension of Lesion

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Spinal Cord Injury After Blunt Cervical Spine Trauma: Correlation of Soft-Tissue Damage and Extension of Lesion ORIGINAL RESEARCH SPINE Spinal Cord Injury after Blunt Cervical Spine Trauma: Correlation of Soft-Tissue Damage and Extension of Lesion R. Martínez-Pe´rez, I. Paredes, S. Cepeda, A. Ramos, A.M. Castan˜o-Leo´n, C. García-Fuentes, R.D. Lobato, P.A. Go´mez, and A. Lagares ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In patients with spinal cord injury after blunt trauma, several studies have observed a correlation between neurologic impairment and radiologic findings. Few studies have been performed to correlate spinal cord injury with ligamentous injury. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate whether ligamentous injury or disk disruption after spinal cord injury correlates with lesion length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 108 patients diagnosed with traumatic spinal cord injury after cervical trauma between 1990–2011. Plain films, CT, and MR imaging were performed on patients and then reviewed for this study. MR imaging was performed within 96 hours after cervical trauma for all patients. Data regarding ligamentous injury, disk injury, and the extent of the spinal cord injury were collected from an adequate number of MR images. We evaluated anterior longitudinal ligaments, posterior longitudinal ligaments, and the ligamentum flavum. Length of lesion, disk disruption, and ligamentous injury association, as well as the extent of the spinal cord injury were statistically assessed by means of univariate analysis, with the use of nonparametric tests and multivariate analysis along with linear regression. RESULTS: There were significant differences in lesion length on T2-weighted images for anterior longitudinal ligaments, posterior longi- tudinal ligaments, and ligamentum flavum in the univariate analysis; however, when this was adjusted by age, level of injury, sex, and disruption of the soft tissue evaluated (disk, anterior longitudinal ligaments, posterior longitudinal ligaments, and ligamentum flavum) in a multivariable analysis, only ligamentum flavum showed a statistically significant association with lesion length. Furthermore, the number of ligaments affected had a positive correlation with the extension of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: In cervical spine trauma, a specific pattern of ligamentous injury correlates with the length of the spinal cord lesion in MR imaging studies. Ligamentous injury detected by MR imaging is not a dynamic finding; thus it proved to be useful in predicting neurologic outcome in patients for whom the MR imaging examination was delayed. ABREVIATIONS: ALL ϭ anterior longitudinal ligament; ASIA ϭ American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale; LF ϭ ligamentum flavum; PLL ϭ posterior longitudinal ligament; SCI ϭ spinal cord injury; SCIWORA ϭ spinal cord injury without radiological abnormalities cute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is located at the cer- for patients with acute cervical spine injury.3 Since the early 1990s, Avical level in 45–75% of cases.1,2 Thus, cervical trauma is several studies have investigated the role of several radiologic potentially the source of long-term disability because of its asso- findings in SCI.3,4 Previous published reports have described ciated risk of SCI.2 The internal architecture of the spinal cord, as the mechanism and biomechanics of spinal stability after blunt well as soft tissue injury, is best visualized with MR imaging. How- trauma.5-7 It is believed that the degree of soft-tissue damage is ever, MR imaging performed after the cervical trauma has prog- related to the severity of the SCI. However, very few studies have nostic implications for the therapeutic management of this dis- similarly shown this association. ease; hence, it has become part of the standard imaging protocol Instead, the correlation between lesion length and neurologic outcome has been sufficiently demonstrated in the acute phase 8,9 Received February 5, 2013; accepted after revision September 9. after cervical trauma. In fact, it has been recommended that the 10 From the Departments of Neurosurgery (R.M.-P., I.P., S.C., AM.C.-L., R.D.L., P.A.G., first MR imaging should be performed 24–72 hours after injury. A.L.) and Radiology (A.R.), and Intensive Care Unit (C.G.-F.), Hospital 12 de Octubre, The prognostic value of MR imaging in later stages is less clear Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. Please address correspondence to Rafael Martı´nez-Pe´rez, MD, Hospital 12 de Oc- because of the dynamic nature of edema and the dependence on tubre. Andalucía s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain; e-mail: rafa11safi[email protected] the lesion length after trauma.11 Therefore, we designed this study http://dx.doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A3812 to detect soft-tissue injuries that are related to more pronounced AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 35:1029–34 May 2014 www.ajnr.org 1029 FIGURE. A, Traumatic herniation disk producing spinal cord compression at the same level; it is seen as hyperintensity in the T2-weighted image. Lesion length is measured in millimeters from the most cephalad level to the lowest (arrows). B, Sagittal projection on T2-weigthed images. Disruption of posterior longitudinal ligament is visualized at level C5–C6. C, Sagittal projection on T2-weighted image. At level C7–T1, the injured anterior longitudinal ligament (arrow) is seen. Signal changes are shown at level C6–C7. D, Damage in anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, ligamentum flavum, and disk are represented by a disruption in low signal intensity corresponding to this structure. lesions, which MR imaging can detect, including more severe SCI. Table 1: American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Soft-tissue injury is a more static finding than is cord edema and Grade A Complete: No sensory or motor function is can convey potentially relevant information when MR imaging is preserved in the sacral segments S4–S5 delayed (Fig 1). Grade B Incomplete: Sensory but not motor function is preserved below the neurological level and includes the sacral segments S4–S5 MATERIALS AND METHODS Grade C Incomplete: Motor function is preserved below the Patients with known SCI after non-penetrating cervical spine neurological level, and more than half of key trauma over a 21-year period were recruited in the clinical, retro- muscles below the neurological level have a spective data base. Only patients in whom cervical MR imaging muscle grade Ͻ3 was performed within 96 hours after trauma were selected for Grade D Incomplete: Motor function is preserved below the neurological level, and at least half of key further analysis. muscles below the neurological level have a Patients who were neurologically intact, or whose MR imaging muscle grade Ն3 was performed after the fourth day of the injury, were excluded. Grade E Normal: Sensory and motor function is normal Patients with severe traumatic brain injury or upper cervical spine injuries (C1–C2 fractures) were also excluded from the analysis. Thoracic injuries were not included either. analyzed with anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL), posterior We recorded clinical variables, including age, sex, mechanism longitudinal ligament (PLL), and ligamentum flavum (LF), and of injury, and neurologic status. Epidemiologic data also exam- the intervertebral disk was examined. In all patients, MR imaging ined age, sex, and mechanism of injury from the medical records. was performed within the first 4 days after trauma. MR imaging Neurologic status was assessed clinically during the first examina- was performed with the use of a 1.5T magnet and 3-mm section tion by using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment thickness for axial and sagittal planes. We analyzed ligamentous Scale (ASIA) (Table 1). injury by assessing disruption in T1- and T2-weighted images (in Plain radiographs, CT scans, and MR images were consensu- a sagittal plane), including axial T2- and T2*-weighted images. In ally assessed by a neurosurgeon trained in cervical trauma images all patients, lesion length was determined by intramedullary cord (I.P.) and an experimental neuroradiologist (A.R.). Both observ- signal intensity change in T2-weighted images and was defined as ers were blinded to patient clinical and neurologic data. the distance in millimeters between the most caudal and cephalad To diagnose the level and extension of injury and determine signal intensity change in the cord. Soft-tissue disruption was de- the number of fractures, plain radiographs, MR imaging, and CT fined as a clear MR imaging signal with complete discontinuity of were used. The presence of fracture and bone integrity was as- the structure in all appropriate imaging sections. sessed in the CT scan. The segment affected was defined as fracture level with only 1 Soft-tissue injury was assessed with the use of MR imaging and fracture: if there was more than 1, it was defined as the fracture 1030 Martínez-Pe´rez May 2014 www.ajnr.org level that produced the most cord compression. In cases with SCI Table 2: Characteristics of patients with acute traumatic cervical but without radiologic abnormalities (SCIWORA), we consid- SCI ered the segment to be affected when the soft tissues were most Characteristic No. of Patients (%) injured. Mean age, y 40.5 (17–86) Male 87 (80.6) We analyzed the data with univariate and multivariate meth- Female 21 (19.4) ods to compare the damage of soft-tissue structures (LF, ALL, Severity of SCI PLL, and disk), including the extent of SCI. ALL, PLL, LF, and disk ASIA A 39 (36.1) injuries were independently analyzed as dichotomous variables ASIA B 10 (9.3) ASIA C 22 (20.3) (damaged or intact); the extent of SCI (distance between the most ASIA D 37 (34.3) caudal and cephalad of the cord signal intensity change [hyperin- Spinal level of SCI tensity] in a sagittal plane, T2-weighted image measured in milli- C3–C4 16 (14.8) meters) was considered to be a continuous variable. Levels of C4–C5 22 (20.3) injury, age, and sex were analyzed as potential covariates. Sex C5–C6 31 (28.7) C6–C7 24 (22.2) (male/female) and level of injury (upper lesion, C3-C4-C5 and C7–T1 15 (13.8) lower lesion, C6-C7-C8) were considered dichotomous variables, Cause of SCI whereas age was seen as a continuous variable.
Recommended publications
  • Retrospective Review of Gunshot Injuries to the Foot & Ankle
    Retrospective Review of Gunshot Injuries to the Foot & Ankle; A New Classification and Treatment Protocol Richard Bauer, DPM (PGY-4); Eliezer Eisenberger, DPM (PGY-4); Faculty: Emilio Goez, DPM, FACFAS St. Barnabas Health System; Regional Level-1 Trauma Center - Bronx, NY Statement of Purpose Literature Review Results Analysis & Discussion cont... The U.S. has an average of 30,900 gun related deaths per year and an additional Much of the literature related to gunshot wounds is adapted from high velocity projectile combat injuries, however most There were a total of twelve (12) patients who met our inclusion criteria that were treated for isolated gunshot wounds to the We have divided the anatomic locations into “zones.” Zone 1 refers to the digits in their entirety up to and including the 69,863 non-fatal gun related injuries were reported in 20081. Several studies have civilian gunshot wounds are resultant from low velocity (<300 m/sec) firearms1,3,4. Gunshot wounds to the lower extremity foot and ankle between the dates of 8/1/2010-11/1/2012. All patients were male with a mean age of 24.25 years. All injuries metatarsophalangeal joints (MPJ‟s), Zone 2 refers to the metatarsal and tarsal bones and Zone 3 refers to the calcaneus, reviewed treatment protocols for gunshot injuries to bone and related structures, represent approximately 63% of all gunshot related injuries, however only a fraction of these are located in the foot & ankle4. were classified as low velocity gunshot wounds. Four patients (33.3%) presented with isolated digital injury, three (25%) talus, tibia and fibula.
    [Show full text]
  • Treatment of Established Volkmann's Contracture*
    ~hop. Acta Treatment of Established Volkmann’sContracture* BY KENYA TSUGE, M.D.’J’, HIROSHIMA, JAPAN ldon, From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hiroshima Universi~.’ 1-76, School of Medicine, Hiroshima 38. The disease first described by Volkmann in 1881 is the extent of the disease: mild, moderate, and severe. In generally considered to result from spasm of the main ar- the mild type, also called the localized type, there was de- ~ts of teries of the forearm, and their branches as a consequence generation of part of the flexor digitorum profundus mus- Acta of trauma to the elbow or forearm. The severe and pro- cle, causing contractures in only two or three fingers. longed but incomplete interruption of arterial blood sup- There were hardly any neurological signs, and when pres- ~. (in ply, together with venostasis, produces acute ischemic ent they were minimum. In the moderate type, the muscle z and necrosis of the flexor muscles. The most marked ischemia degeneration involved all or nearly all of the flexor digito- occurs in the deeply situated muscles such as the flexor rum profundus and flexor pollicis longus, with partial pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus, but severe degeneration of the superficial muscles as well. The neu- ischemia is evident in the pronator teres and flexor rological signs were invariably present and generally -484, digitorum superficialis muscles, and comparatively mild the median nerve was more severely affected than the :rtag, ischemia occurs in the superficially located muscles such ulnar nerve. In the severe type, there was degeneration as the wrist flexors. The muscle degeneration which fol- of all the flexor muscles with necrosis in the center ).
    [Show full text]
  • FAT EMBOLISM SYNDROME WITHOUT OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE of BONE OR SOFT TISSUE INJURY Amitabh Das Shukla1, Rajneesh Kumar Srivastava2, Neha Agrawal3, Ravindra Kumar Singh4
    DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2014/3611 CASE REPORT FAT EMBOLISM SYNDROME WITHOUT OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE OF BONE OR SOFT TISSUE INJURY Amitabh Das Shukla1, Rajneesh Kumar Srivastava2, Neha Agrawal3, Ravindra Kumar Singh4 HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Amitabh Das Shukla, Rajneesh Kumar Srivastava, Neha Agrawal, Ravindra Kumar Singh. “Fat Embolism Syndrome without Objective Evidence of Bone or Soft Tissue Injury”. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences 2014; Vol. 3, Issue 52, October 13; Page: 12209-12213, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2014/3611 ABSTRACT: Fat embolism syndrome (FES), without evidence of bone or soft tissue injury is uncommon, and in absence of validated diagnostic criteria, its diagnosis is mainly dependent on treating clinician, who should have high index of suspicion. Treatment is predominantly supportive, and apart from some mortality, recovery is generally seen. Present article is a case report of a boy who suffered blunt injury due to fall from height, had no objective evidence of bone or soft tissue injury, but diagnosed as a case of fat embolism syndrome, using Gurd-Wilson and Schonfeld’s criteria, treated by pulmonary support and aggressive resuscitation, but he died after 4 days of admission to hospital. KEYWORDS: Fat Embolism, Bone injury, soft tissue injury. INTRODUCTION: Fat embolism syndrome after blunt trauma has significant morbidity and mortality. It poses a significant management problem, in patients with trauma. Generally it is secondary to fracture of femur or pelvis, which dislodges marrow fat, and results in fat embolism syndrome (FES). Fracture to long bones leads to fat embolism syndrome in 0.9 to 2.2% cases.1 In lung it presents with consolidation and diffusion defect, leading to symptom of respiratory distress and hypoxemia along with radiological picture of multiple consolidation, ground glass appearance and nodularity of lung.2 Its central nervous system manifestations include confusion, drowsiness and altered sensorium.3 Some patients also present with hemiparesis and partial siezures4.
    [Show full text]
  • Gunshot Wounds of the Lower Extremity
    The Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Journal Official Publication of the NOFA Foundation Gunshot Wounds in the Lower Extremity by Michael Coyer DPM1, James Connors DPM1, and Mark Hardy DPM FACFAS2 The Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Journal 1 (3): 1 Abstract: A high number of gunshot injuries occur in the lower extremities, making it likely that the foot and ankle surgeon will encounter these wounds if involved with lower extremity trauma care. An understanding of current thought processes and standards of care in relationship to high and low velocity wounds is imperative for the surgeon to appropriately manage these unique and challenging traumatic injuries. Also important are the legal considerations relating to evidence collection, interaction with law enforcement, and witness testimony. It is the intent of this article to provide the foot and ankle surgeon with standardized guidelines for the treatment of gunshot trauma in the lower extremities, as well as guidelines for appropriate documentation and evidence handling. Key words: Gunshot Wounds, Foot & Ankle Trauma, Gunshot Evidence, Lower Extremity Gunshots Accepted: March 2015 Published: March 2015 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. It permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ©The Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Foundation Journal. (www.nofafoundation.org) 2015. All rights reserved. Introduction With more than 65 million handguns in the United States essential to provide effective care. Also important are the alone, the potential for encountering gunshot wounds is legal considerations relating to evidence collection, fairly high.
    [Show full text]
  • Mortality Due to Underestimation of Soft Tissue Injury and Misdiagnosis of Rhabdomyolysis
    CASE REPORT Case Report - Mortality Due to Underestimation of Soft Tissue Injury and Misdiagnosis of Rhabdomyolysis Tan LJa, Tan RZa, Shafie MSa, Mohd Nor Fa, Shamsuddin H2, Md Onzer MA3 a*Department of Pathology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. bIbu Pejabat Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara cIbu Pejabat Polis Daerah Bukit Jalil ABSTRACT Introduction Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, and release of intracellular muscle constituents into the blood circulation. The severity of the illness may range from asymptomatic elevation in serum muscle enzymes to a life-threatening disease. One disease may behave differently in different way in different individuals. The first patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident and developed acute kidney injury on the third day of admission. The second patient complained of lower limb weakness, and was discharged with vitamin D supplements. Both patients’ conditions were not properly diagnosed or treated, and succumbed to death. Autopsies were conducted in both cases, in which rhabdomyolysis were diagnosed. This case report emphasizes the importance of making a correct diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis Progression of the disease and its complications should be monitored closely. Timely management may save life in high risk patients. KEYWORDS: Soft tissue injury, rhabdomyolysis, forensic. INTRODUCTION Soft tissue injury constitutes damage to muscle, significant haemorrhage in the internal organ. The ligament and tendon, which is the commonest injury causes of delay complication upon soft tissue injury seen in trauma cases. It usually resolves by itself may include infection, gangrene or necrosis, crush without long term sequelae.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 10 RHABDOMYOLYSIS and COMPARTMENT SYNDROME in MILITARY TRAINEES
    Rhabdomyolysis and Compartment Syndrome in Military Trainees Chapter 10 RHABDOMYOLYSIS AND COMPARTMENT SYNDROME IN MILITARY TRAINEES † JOHN J. WALSH, MD*; AND STEVEN M. PAGE, MD INTRODUCTION RHABDOMYOLYSIS Pathophysiology Acute Exertional Rhabdomyolysis COMPARTMENT SYNDROME Diagnosis Measurement of Compartment Pressure RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RHABDOMYOLYSIS AND COMPARTMENT SYNDROME SUMMARY * Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, 2 Medical Park, Suite 404, Columbia, South Caro- lina, 29203; formerly, Major, Medical Corps, US Army, Staff Physician and Clinic Director, Department of Orthopaedics, Moncrief Army Community Hospital, Fort Jackson, South Carolina † Orthopaedic Surgeon, Brandon Orthopedic Associates, 721 W. Robertson St., Suite 102, Brandon, Florida 33511; formerly, Fellow, Sports Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 165 Recruit Medicine INTRODUCTION Extremity trauma is a common occurrence during a dangerous point. military training. All basic trainees, to some degree, The purpose of this chapter is to highlight two experience muscle injury below the threshold of per- closely related problems that occur within the train- manent damage. However, the likelihood of a trainee ing environment: rhabdomyolysis and compartment developing a musculoskeletal injury that seriously syndrome. These conditions develop as a result of a threatens life or limb is quite low. Physicians who treat physiological cascade of metabolic abnormalities that personnel undergoing basic military training need to occurs when the body is no longer able to compensate be aware of factors that can push the level of injury to for the demands placed upon it. RHABDOMYOLYSIS Pathophysiology 600,000 U/L reported. (Normal values range from 50 to 200 U/L.3) Severe cases can develop into disseminated Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of skeletal intravascular coagulation and renal failure, and can muscle as a result of injury.
    [Show full text]
  • Elbow Dislocation (1/2)
    Elbow Dislocation (1/2) A dislocation is an injury to a joint. A joint can be de- Diagnosis fined as two bones that are connected by the shape of In evaluating an elbow for a possible dislocation, a history the bones and also by soft tissue such as ligaments and of events leading up to the injury will be asked for by your capsule. A dislocation of a joint occurs when there is com- health care provider. Then an examination of the injured plete lack of contact between the two bones. In order for elbow will take place. If there is any further concern for a that amount of change in position of the bones to occur, dislocation, x-rays will be taken. there is tearing of ligaments and capsule. Partial dis- cloation occurs when the bones have lost some but not all X-rays are helpful because they will show in which direc- contact with one another and may completely or partially tion the bones are dislocated (Figures 1 and 2). X-rays may tear the soft tissue. also reveal a fracture (broken bone). In some cases, a CT scan or MRI can assist in determining other important inju- Elbow dislocations can be separated into simple and ries associated with the elbow dislocation that is not seen complex. Simple dislocations occur when there is no on x-rays (ligaments, nerve, cartilage). These advanced fracture. They are considered “simple” since there is only tests often follow any initial treatment. Sometimes, a ligamentous injury. These are more likely to be success- surgeon may examine the joint under a video x-ray ma- fully treated without surgery.
    [Show full text]
  • Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Foot After an Ankle Sprain: a Case Report
    Journal of Research and Practice on the Musculoskeletal System JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE ON THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM Case Report Acute compartment syndrome of the foot after an ankle sprain: a case report Christos Christoforidis, Panagiotis Lepetsos, Stamatios Papadakis, Anastasios Gketsos, Theodoros Balfousias, George Macheras 4th Orthopaedic Department, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece Abstract The aim of this study is to report the case of a patient with an acute foot compartment syndrome after an ankle sprain, discussing the diagnostic challenges and rarity of such an uncommon complication of a very common and low-trauma event. A 19-year old young man presented at the emergency department for a twisting injury of his left ankle. Physical and radiological evaluation revealed a 2nd degree lateral ankle sprain and the patient was treated conservatively. Two days later, the patient returned to the emergency department, late at night, with worsening and excruciating pain of his left foot and inability to walk. Physical evaluation showed severe swelling of the left foot and decreased range of active and passive motion. X-rays and CT scan were negative for fractures. An emergency fasciotomy of the lateral and medial compartment of the foot was performed and necrotic muscle parts were removed. Postoperatively, patient’s symptoms were controlled and a week later he was discharged from the hospital. Twelve months later, the patient is pain-free with full range of motion of his left ankle and foot. Keywords: Acute compartment syndrome, Ankle sprain,Fasciotomy, Muscle necrosis, Intracompartmental pressure Introduction normal. Anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the ankle joint were negative for fracture.
    [Show full text]
  • Degloving and Severe Upper Extremity Injuries in Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Partial Ejection"
    "Degloving and Severe Upper Extremity Injuries in Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Partial Ejection" Seattle CIREN University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle WA Kaufman R., Blanar L., Bulger E. –Seattle CIREN, UW, HMC Lipira A., Friedrickson J. – Harborview Medical Center Mastrioanni S., Nelson M. –Seattle CIREN Upper Extremity (UE) Partial Ejection in Motor Vehicle Crashes (MVC) • Noted as an ‘arm‐ or hand‐out‐ window’ phenomenon • Upper extremity partial ejection in MVCs can result in contact to exterior objects, including the ground in rollovers, which can result in severe degloving type injuries • These severe injuries result in devastating and long‐lasting consequences J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2013 Feb;74(2):687‐91. Vehicle factors and outcomes associated with hand‐out‐window motor vehicle collisions. Bakker A1, Moseley J, Friedrich J. Partial Ejection Mitigation • Seatbelts are 99.8% effective at preventing complete ejections, but only 38% effective in preventing partial ejections in rollover crashes • Side‐curtain airbags (SABs) can reduced and mitigated risk of partial ejection • BUT, most partial ejection research focuses on head or thoracic injuries • Partial ejection of the upper extremity (UE) remains a highly morbid mechanism of upper extremity injury in motor vehicle collisions References: 1. Bakker, A., Moseley, J. & Friedrich, J. Vehicle factors and outcomes associated with hand‐out‐window motor vehicle collisions. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 74, 687–691 (2013). 2. Ball, C. G., Rozycki, G. S. & Feliciano, D. V. Upper Extremity Amputations After Motor Vehicle Rollovers. The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care 67, 410–412 (2009). 3. Nikitins, M.
    [Show full text]
  • Acute Management of Soft Tissue Injuries
    www.acpsm.org Acute Management of Soft Tissue Injuries Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation Guidelines www.acpsm.org Management of acute soft tissue injury using Protection Rest Ice Compression and Elevation: Recommendations from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine (ACPSM) Chris M Bleakley1, Philip D Glasgow2, Nicola Phillips2, Laura Hanna2, Michael J Callaghan2, Gareth W Davison3, Ty J Hopkins3, Eamonn Delahunt3 1Lead author and guarantor 2ACPSM consensus panel 3External authors and contributors Acknowledgements to other ACPSM contributors: Lynn Booth, Nicola Combarro, Sian Knott, Chris McNicholl and Colin Paterson for their assistance with literature searching, data extraction, and interpretation of outcomes. This work was funded by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine (ACPSM). The guidelines are endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s Supporting Knowledge in Physiotherapy Practice Programme (SKIPP), after peer review from their Good Practice Panel in October 2010. CONTENTS Chapter 1: Project methods Chapter 2: What is the magnitude and depth of cooling associated with ice? Chapter 3: Can PRICE decrease the infl ammatory response after acute soft tissue injury? Chapter 4: What effect does mechanical loading have on infl ammation and soft tissue healing after acute injury? Chapter 5: Do the physiological effects of local tissue cooling affect function, sporting performance and injury risk? Chapter 6: Which components of PRICE are effective in the clinical management of acute soft tissue injury? Chapter 7: Executive summary Chapter 8: Appendices Chapter 1 Project methods Background The need for guidelines Soft tissue injury is a common problem in sport, recreational and physical activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Compartment Syndromes Today What Is Compartment Syndrome?
    Compartment Syndromes Leslie Gullahorn, MD Director of Orthopaedic Trauma Yuma Regional Medical Center , Contributing Authors: Robert M. Harris, MD, Toni McLaurin, MD, T. Toan Le, MD and Sameh Arebi, MD, Michael Sirkin Today • What is it • Pathophysiology • Diagnosis • Treatment What is Compartment Syndrome? Increase in hydrostatic pressure in closed osteofascial space resulting in decreased perfusion of muscle and nerves within compartment • Increased pressure in closed fascial space – Exceeds capillary perfusion pressure 1 • RAISED PRESSURE WITHIN A CLOSED SPACE with a potential to cause irreversible damage to the contents of the closed space Richard Von Volkmann, 1881 • “For many years I have noted on occasion, following the use of bandages too tightly applied, the occurrence of paralysis and contraction of the limb, NOT … due to the paralysis of the nerve by pressure, but as a quick and massive disintegration of the contractile substance and the effect of the ensuing reaction and degeneration.” Today • What is it • Pathophysiology • Diagnosis • Treatment 2 Pathophysiology • Local Blood Flow is reduced as a consequence: LBF=Pa-Pv / R (A-V Gradient) Pathophysiology • A continuous increase in pressure within a compartment occurs until the low intramuscular arteriolar pressure is exceeded and blood cannot enter the capillaries Pathophysiology • Autoregulatory mechanisms may compensate: – Decrease in peripheral vascular resistance – Increased extraction of oxygen • As system becomes overwhelmed: – Critical closing pressure is reached –
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of the Cervical Spine in Post-Concussion Syndrome
    http://informahealthcare.com/psm ISSN: 0091-3847 (print) Phys Sportsmed, 2015; Early Online: 1–11 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2015.1064301 CLINICAL FOCUS: RHEUMATOLOGY, PAIN MANAGEMENT AND CONCUSSION GUIDELINES CASE REPORT The role of the cervical spine in post-concussion syndrome Cameron M. Marshall1, Howard Vernon1, John J. Leddy2 and Bradley A. Baldwin3 1Department of Graduate Studies, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2Department of Physiology and Family Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, University Sports Medicine, 160 Farber Hall – SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA, and 3Private Practice – Sports Medicine and Rehab Centres, 199 Mill Street, Angus, Ontario, Canada Abstract Keywords: While much is known regarding the pathophysiology surrounding concussion injuries in the Brain concussion, post-concussion syndrome, acute phase, there is little evidence to support many of the theorized etiologies to post- whiplash injuries, pathophysiology, concussion syndrome (PCS); the chronic phase of concussion occurring in ~10–15% of concussed musculoskeletal manipulations patients. This paper reviews the existing literature surrounding the numerous proposed theories of PCS and introduces another potential, and very treatable, cause of this chronic condition; History cervical spine dysfunction due to concomitant whiplash-type injury. We also discuss a short case- Received 10 March 2015 series of five patients with diagnosed PCS having very favorable outcomes following various Accepted 17 June 2015 treatment and rehabilitative techniques aimed at restoring cervical spine function. Introduction One proposed mechanism for persisting symptomatology that has not been examined in great detail is concomitant low- Concussion injuries, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), grade sprain–strain injury of the cervical spine occurring con- have an estimated prevalence of 3.8 million per year in the currently with significant head trauma.
    [Show full text]